NYC, Craigslist team up to out lazy landlords

The Associated Press

Renters in New York City now have a leg up on lazy landlords as they peruse available apartments and houses on Craigslist.

"NYC's Worst Landlords Watchlist" names landlords with a history of poor repairs. The Craigslist link is part of New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio's plan to better inform tenants and hold landlords accountable for repairing rundown buildings.

The plan also would deprive landlords with questionable records of certain taxpayer subsidies. It also calls for a partnership with private law firms to provide pro bono help in housing court.

Another initiative would help landlords get access to capital so they could repair shoddy buildings more quickly. Another would cut red tape in the certification and inspection process.